As you can tell I am a bit of a planner and I love helping my bride and grooms plan their wedding. I try to write helpful blog posts for couples that are overwhelmed with planning their wedding and looking for advice. But wanted to take this next planning post in a slightly different direction; however, I needed some help from those that have experience in the makeup artist industry. So I enlisted the help from Samantha Gargiulo the owner of Samantha Carly LLC. I wanted her expert opinion and advice on why brides should hire a professional makeup artist for their wedding! Samantha's education began in Manhattan at the Aveda Institute. After completion of 1000 hours, she received her New York State Cosmetology license. With her desire to continue learning and broadening her techniques, she enrolled at School of Makeup Effects in New Jersey, receiving a certification in Beauty and Editorial. She graduated gaining a knowledge of airbrushed and bridal applications. She continues her education by attending workshops and classes with some of the most renown hair and makeup artists in the industry—such as Sir John and Mario Dedivanovic. Artists that work with Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and other A-list celebrities. She also attends annual trade shows to find the newest products and to stay updated on the newest trends. Samantha provided services for Miss Connecticut Teen USA & Miss DC USA 2017 and 2018 title holders, Pampers Press Event and more. She also got the opportunity to work New York Fashion Week for Helen Castillo with Yantra Beauty in 2018. Obviously Samantha is an expert and has years experience, so thats why I chose to interview her for this blog post. I am SO excited to share this post with you all and a huge thank you to Samantha for all your tips, tricks and advice when searching for your makeup artist!
Why hire a professional makeup artist for your wedding day?
Nina- Why should brides hire a professional makeup artist the day of their wedding?
Samantha - The morning of your wedding should be memorable and stress free. I’ve had easygoing, care free brides and I’ve had my brides all filled with nerves. Why worry about having to do your own services or running to your local salon? To put your services in the hands of professional should be one of the easiest decisions you make about your wedding planning. Scheduling a trial run will also help you ease those nerves and know exactly how you are going to look.
Nina - How to go about finding the right makeup artist for your wedding day?
Samantha - Do your research. What does that mean? Look for a local artist. If you find an artist not in your area, expect to pay for traveling and accommodation fees. I would ask your married friends and see their experience with their makeup artist. I would look on Wedding Wire or The Knot and take the time to read their reviews, pricing and portfolio. I would also look on social media. I would reach out to the artists that stand out to you and get to see if they are the right fit. A trial would be a great step to see if you are ready to book with them for the day of. I would also ask your vendors you already booked for their recommendation of makeup artists. Also, like other vendors we book up quickly. Many brides are under the impression that you need to book our services a few months prior. Our ideal brides book their day of a year in advance to secure their date and their trial date once they have their hair and makeup look envisioned. This gives enough time to not rush the process: getting to know each other, scheduling the day of and perfecting each detail.
Nina - What to look for in an artist?
Samantha - Look for an artist thats aesthetic matches what your looking for. Look for someone reliable. Reliable means an artist that answers you within 24-48 hours. Make sure your artist has a contract in place and that collects a deposit. This ensures they will show up on the day of. Take a peak on review websites to see what other brides have to say about their services. Find someone that is willing to work with you and make your look what you envision. I also would look into what services they have to offer and see what you would want. Whether that is airbrushed makeup or trailing services for touch ups. Also, inquire if they have a recommendation for a hairstylist they work with. This will make your morning of services run smoothly since your team will be in touch. Make sure your artist is able to accommodate for the additional ladies if you are requesting so. (mom, bridesmaids, maid of honor.)
Nina- Why not to skip on a professional makeup artist?
Samantha- You spend thousands of dollars of every detail of your special day, why skip out on the way you look. A professional makeup artist will know the right products and techniques to make you look photo ready through all the tears and kisses of the day. I would look at your artist's background and experience in bridal to see if that if the right professional for your day. Do your homework- Don’t go into a trial with high expectations to look like a filter or make wrinkles go away. Artists are not magicians. Take care of your skin and waxing services before your trial and take all recommendations given. Have reference photos from your artist’s portfolio so you know what you want and what you don’t like. Don’t bring too many opinions to your trial. All that matters is what you think! Also, listen to your artist. We are the professional for a reason. We may offer a different approach that would make your eyes pop more or enhance one of your features that you would never think of.
Also remember, stay true to the way you normally look and enhance that. You won't be able to redo your wedding!
